Creeping Buttercup

Creeping Buttercup | Ranunculus Repens

The cheerful yellow flowers of the creeping buttercup make an eye-catching ground cover in any garden or lawn. This plant is easy to set and forget–once it is established, it spreads rapidly to cover whole meadows with its golden glow, especially in wet climates where it thrives. 

The yellow buds bloom in spring and summer, but as a perennial, this plant is winter hardy and will return in full force with warmer weather. With its many green leaves and clumps of golden flowers, it makes an exciting, if wild, addition to your garden.

Plant Details - Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus Repens)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Light Requirement: Full sun, partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 1-2 ft

Spread: Over 40 sq ft

Growth Rate: Rapid

Soil Preference: Damp, clay soil

Bloom Time: Spring and Summer

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators

Notable Characteristics - Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus Repens)

This charming plant is commonly classified as a weed in agriculture, but it can also be a wonderful ornamental plant that fills bare spots in your garden with vibrancy. The golden yellow petals of the creeping buttercup are made distinct by their glossy finish, which helps attract pollinators. 

Its hairy stem and leaves are deep green and resemble a heart shape. This plant thrives in damp, flooded areas, and especially likes wet, compacted soil, or clay soil. It even gets its plant family name from ‘rana’, meaning ‘little frog’, a nod to its somewhat amphibious habitat.

Landscape and Maintenance: Creeping Buttercup

The creeping buttercup is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa but made its way to North America primarily through the movement of hay. It is toxic to livestock, which contributes to its position as an irritant to farmers. 

As a ground cover plant, it spreads far and it spreads quickly. Its low growth form makes it troublesome to remove in unwanted areas, but provides much needed resilience where it is planted intentionally. This cheerful, yellow plant grows swiftly to turn your garden into a lush field of sunshine.

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How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

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